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Secret Origins
Secret Origins
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Secret Origins
Brian Bolland's cover to the 1989 Secret Origins collection.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
ScheduleMonthly
FormatOngoing series
Genre
Publication dateOne-shot:
Summer 1961
Vol. 1
February–March 1973; October–November 1974
Vol. 2:
April 1986 – August 1990
Vol. 3:
June 2014 – May 2015
No. of issuesOne-shot: 1
Vol. 1: 7
Vol. 2: 50, plus 3 Annuals and 1 Special
Vol. 3: 11
Editor(s)Roy Thomas
Mark Waid
Collected editions
Secret OriginsISBN 0-930289-50-1

Secret Origins is the title of several comic book series published by DC Comics which featured the origin stories of the publisher's various characters.

Publication history

[edit]

Secret Origins was first published as a one-shot in 1961 and contained only reprinted material.[1] The title became an ongoing reprint series in February–March 1973 which ran for seven issues and ended in October–November 1974.[2][3] The title was used on various compilations of origin stories, including Limited Collectors' Edition #C-39: Secret Origins Super-Villains (October–November 1975)[4] and #C-45: More Secret Origins Super-Villains (June–July 1976)[5] as well as DC Special Series #10 (1978)[6] and 19 (Fall 1979).[7] Its most well-known incarnation was a 50-issue series that ran from April 1986 to August 1990,[8] plus three Annuals[9] and one Special.[10] Typically, an issue would clarify the post-Crisis origins of a number of characters,[11] usually two as most of the issues were double-sized, i.e. 48 pages. Roy Thomas was the initial writer/editorial consultant on the series; later issues were overseen by Mark Waid. Two more Specials followed in 1998 and 1999.[12] In 2004, it returned to the all-reprint format with a Weird Secret Origins special featuring Doctor Fate, the Spectre, Animal Man, Enchantress, Metamorpho, Congorilla, El Diablo, and Bizarro World.

A new monthly incarnation focusing on characters in The New 52, launched in April 2014 with a June cover date. The first issue featured the origins of Superman, Supergirl and the Dick Grayson version of Robin.[13] This series was cancelled as of issue #11 (May 2015).[14][15]

[edit]

Annuals and Specials

[edit]

Additionally, there was a belated Secret Origins 80-Page Giant issued in 1998 (ISBN 1-56389-440-8), that focused on the members of Young Justice.

Secret Origins collected edition

[edit]

Some issues of the second series were collected in a trade paperback along with other material and some original work in 1989 called Secret Origins, but the official title, as stated in the book's indicia, is given as Secret Origins of The World's Greatest Super-Heroes (ISBN 0930289501). The focus was on DC's major characters: the origins of the Justice League of America (from #32), the Flash (Barry Allen, from Secret Origins Annual #2); Green Lantern (Hal Jordan, from #36); J'onn J'onnz, the Martian Manhunter (from #35); and Superman (from The Man of Steel #6). There was also an all-new retelling of Batman's origins, Batman: The Man Who Falls, by Dennis O'Neil and Dick Giordano; this story later served as a cited inspiration for the 2005 film Batman Begins.[16]

  • Showcase Presents: Blue Beetle includes Secret Origins #2 (Blue Beetle: Echoes Of Future Past!). 590 pages. January 2015. 9781401251475
  • Batman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told Vol. 2 includes Secret Origins #6 (The Secret Origin Of Batman). 208 pages. February 2007. 9781401212148
  • Batman: Legends Of The Dark Knight - Marshall Rogers includes Secret Origins #6 (The Secret Origin Of Batman). 484 pages. November 2011. 9781401232276
  • Last Days Of The Justice Society Of America includes Secret Origins #7 (The Secret Origin Of The Golden Age Sandman), #9 (The Secret Origin Of The Star-Spangled Kid And Stripesy & The Secret Origin Of The Golden Age Flash), #11 (The Secret Origin Of The Golden Age Hawkman), #13 (The Secret Origin Of Johnny Thunder), #15 (The Secret Origin Of The Spectre), #16 (The Secret Origin Of The Golden Age Hourman), #18 (The Secret Origin Of The Golden Age Green Lantern), #20 (The Secret Origin Of Dr. Mid-Nite), #24 (The Secret Origin Of Dr. Fate), #25 (The Secret Origin Of The Golden Age Atom) and #31 (The Secret Origin Of The Justice Society Of America). 336 pages. May 2017. 9781401267339
  • The Phantom Stranger Omnibus includes Secret Origins #10 (The Secret Origin Of The Phantom Stranger). 1248 pages. August 2023. 9781779506030
  • DC Universe by Alan Moore includes Secret Origins #10 (Footsteps). 464 pages. April 2013. 9781401233402
  • Nightwing: Old Friends, New Enemies includes Secret Origins #13 (The Secret Origin Of Nightwing). 156 pages. August 2013. 9781401240455
  • Suicide Squad: Trial By Fire includes Secret Origins #14 (The Secret Origin Of The Suicide Squad). 229 pages. February 2011. 9781401230050
  • Deadman Omnibus includes Secret Origins #15 (Death Like A Crown). 944 pages. December 2020. 9781779504883
  • Doom Patrol: The Bronze Age Omnibus includes Secret Origins Annual #1 (The Secret Origin Of The Doom Patrol). 1056 pages. November 2019. 9781401298838
  • The Flash: A Celebration Of 75 Years includes Secret Origins Annual #2 (The Unforgiving Minute). 480 pages. April 2015. 9781401251789
  • Justice League International Omnibus Vol. 3 includes Secret Origins #33, 34 and 35. 1448 pages. May 2024. 9781779525642
  • DC Universe by Neil Gaiman includes Secret Origins #36 (Pavane) and Secret Origins Special. 224 pages. October 2016. 9781401264888
  • Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters Saga Omnibus Vol. 1 includes Secret Origins #38 (Sometimes A Fool Notion). 1527 pages. September 2020. 9781779502568
  • Animal Man: Origin Of The Species includes Secret Origins #39 (The Myth Of The Creation). 224 pages. July 2002. 9781563898907
  • JLA by Grant Morrison Omnibus includes Secret Origins #46 (Ghosts Of Stone). 1486 pages. November 2020. 9781779504999
  • Showcase Presents: Ambush Bug includes Secret Origins #48 (The Secret Origin Of Ambush Bug). 488 pages. March 2009. 9781401221805
  • Tales Of The Batman: Alam Brennert includes Secret Origins #50 (Unfinished Business). 187 pages. July 2016. 9781401263492
[edit]

Collected editions 2014–15 series

[edit]
  • Secret Origins Volume 1 - collects Secret Origins (vol. 3) #1-4 (Feb. 2015)
  • Secret Origins Volume 2 - collects Secret Origins (vol. 3) #5-11 (Aug. 2015)

Secret Origins of Super-Heroes

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During 52, Weeks 12 through 51 featured two-page origins of various superheroes, written by Mark Waid. The origins featured were:

Secret Origins of Super-Villains

[edit]

Beginning with #37, each issue of Countdown featured the origins of a supervillain, written by Scott Beatty. The origins are:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Secret Origins

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Secret Origins is an anthology comic book series published by DC Comics, spanning 50 issues from April 1986 to August 1990, which retold and established the origin stories of numerous superheroes, villains, and teams within the post- continuity. The series emerged in the aftermath of the 1985-1986 event, which streamlined DC's into a single universe, necessitating updated backstories for many legacy characters. It alternated between reprinting classic Golden and Silver Age origin tales—often with modern enhancements—and presenting new narratives tailored to the revised continuity, allowing for retcons such as those for Captain Marvel, , and . Initially released monthly in a standard 32-page format, it expanded to 48 pages starting with issue #6 to accommodate deeper explorations, and shifted to a bi-monthly schedule from issue #45 onward. Beyond major icons like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, Secret Origins highlighted both mainstream and obscure figures, including Nightshade, Midnight, and Doctor Occult, as well as team origins such as the Justice League of America. The anthology format featured contributions from a wide array of writers and artists, blending reprinted material with original content to provide a comprehensive foundation for DC's shared universe during the late 1980s. In addition to the main run, the title included three annuals and one special issue, further expanding its scope.

Introduction

Concept and Purpose

Secret Origins is an series published by DC Comics, consisting of self-contained origin stories for the publisher's superheroes, villains, and teams. Launched in , the series ran for 50 issues until 1990, featuring tales that retold and expanded upon the backstories of iconic characters while adapting pre- lore to align with the streamlined post-Crisis continuity of a single . This format allowed each issue to spotlight multiple characters, typically two per double-sized installment, with contributions from various writers and artists to provide fresh interpretations. The primary purpose of Secret Origins was to serve as an accessible entry point for new readers navigating the rebooted , clarifying the often convoluted histories resulting from decades of multiverse-spanning narratives. By consolidating and updating origins in standalone stories, the series helped establish a cohesive timeline following the 1985–1986 event, which merged DC's parallel Earths into one reality. Multiple creators per issue ensured diverse perspectives, often blending classic elements with modern sensibilities to make the characters' formative experiences more relatable and relevant. Key examples include the debut issue's retelling of the Superman's origin by writer and artist Wayne Boring, inked by , which integrated the character's early adventures into the post- framework. Subsequent issues covered Batman's beginnings in Secret Origins #6, Power Girl's in #11, and the Justice League's formation in #32, frequently emphasizing thematic elements such as the personal costs of heroism and the moral complexities of . These stories highlighted how ordinary individuals or ancient forces shaped extraordinary legacies, reinforcing the enduring appeal of DC's icons. The series emerged directly amid DC's 1986 post-Crisis relaunch, a broader initiative that included new ongoing titles like The Man of Steel and the Legends miniseries, all aimed at revitalizing and unifying the publisher's shared universe for contemporary audiences. By focusing on origins, Secret Origins played a crucial role in this consolidation, providing canonical touchstones that influenced subsequent comics and ensuring the DC timeline's foundational stability.

Creative Development

Following the culmination of Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985–1986, which streamlined DC Comics' multiverse into a single continuity, editorial staff at DC Comics identified significant fan confusion regarding the revised histories of its characters. Dick Giordano, serving as managing editor, oversaw the development of Secret Origins as a dedicated series to clarify and canonize these backstories without necessitating full reboots of ongoing titles. This initiative was pitched by writer and editor Roy Thomas, who proposed reworking classic Golden Age origin tales from the 1930s and 1940s to align with the post-Crisis landscape, ensuring they fit the new unified universe while preserving their foundational elements. Key creators involved in shaping the series included writers , who handled the inaugural issue's script, and , who contributed stories such as the origin of Speedy in issue #38, alongside artists like , whose inks on Wayne Boring's pencils brought a modern polish to the Golden Age Superman tale in the debut. Giordano approved Thomas's concept with the stipulation that every third issue incorporate Silver or heroes to balance the focus, fostering a collaborative environment where talents like and also participated in early scripting. This team approach emphasized serialized updates to continuity, allowing for subtle revisions that addressed inconsistencies arising from the multiverse's collapse. The series drew inspiration from earlier DC anthology formats, such as DC Special and Showcase, which had similarly reprinted and occasionally adapted origin stories to introduce or revisit characters. However, Secret Origins innovated by prioritizing post-Crisis integration, transforming one-off reprints into a platform for ongoing narrative adjustments that reflected the evolving DC Universe. Development milestones included the project's announcement in 1985, the release of the first issue in April 1986 featuring Superman's Golden Age origin, and an initial plan for 50 issues to systematically cover major heroes across eras.

1986–1990 Series

Publication History

Secret Origins launched in April as a monthly anthology series published by DC Comics, running for 50 issues until August . The series was created to establish and update origin stories for DC characters in the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths continuity, blending reprints of classic Golden and Silver Age tales with new material. Initially edited by , with later issues under Robert Greenberger and , it debuted with issue #1 on February 25, (cover-dated April). Early issues followed a standard 32-page format, expanding to 48 pages starting with #6 (September 1986) to allow for multiple stories per issue. The schedule remained monthly until issue #45 (January 1990), after which it shifted to bi-monthly for the final six issues. Each issue typically featured two self-contained origin stories, often pairing a legacy character with a modern retelling, supporting the unified . No ongoing tie-ins to specific titles were emphasized, but the series influenced broader continuity updates. The run concluded with #50, a 96-page special issue. The 1986–1990 Secret Origins series retold origins for a wide range of , villains, and teams, alternating between reprinted classic stories—often remastered—and original post-Crisis narratives. For example, issue #1 (April 1986), written by with art by Wayne Boring and , presented the Golden Age Superman's origin from Superman #1 (1939), establishing his pre-Crisis roots while hinting at continuity integration. Issue #6 (September 1986), scripted by and with pencils by Marshall Rogers and , explored the Batman's early cases alongside Halo's modern debut, blending noir detective elements with team dynamics from The Outsiders. Later issues delved into ensemble and legacy characters. Issue #32 (July 1988), by , , Kevin Maguire, and Al Gordon, detailed the Justice League of America's post-Crisis formation, focusing on the Detroit era lineup including and , with humorous undertones tying into . Hal Jordan's origin appeared in #36 (November 1988), written by and with art by and Sam DeLaRosa, emphasizing his pilot background and the Corps' in the revised mythos. The anthology highlighted obscure figures alongside icons, such as in #12 (March 1987) by Paul Kupperberg and Arvell Jones, portraying his occult detective roots from the 1930s, and Nightshade in #23 (February 1988) by and Ernie Colón, linking her shadow powers to government experiments. Villains received coverage too, like in #40 (January 1989) featuring , , and by varying creators, exploring Gorilla City's hidden society. This mix, with contributions from talents like (#36 framing) and , provided foundational lore for the late 1980s , prioritizing comprehensive retcons over ongoing arcs.

Annuals and Specials

The Secret Origins series from 1986 to 1990 was supplemented by three annual issues and one special, released sporadically between 1987 and 1989 to provide expanded origin narratives beyond the standard 52-page format of the monthly titles. These one-shots often featured longer stories, enabling more detailed explorations of team histories and individual backstories, while tying into broader DC Universe events and relaunches. Secret Origins Annual #1 (August 1987) focused on the Doom Patrol, presenting a 30-page retelling of their classic origin from the perspective of Robotman (Cliff Steele), who returns to their Midway City headquarters amid conflicts with government agents and new members like Negative Woman. The issue also included the secret origin of Captain Comet, a Golden Age character reintroduced in the post-Crisis era. Written by Paul Kupperberg with art by John Byrne for the lead story and Roy Thomas for Captain Comet, this annual bridged the team's 1960s legacy with its revival in the ongoing Doom Patrol series, aligning with the universe-wide changes following the Legends miniseries (1986). Secret Origins Annual #2 (September 1988) centered on the Flash family, detailing the post-Crisis origin of as the third Flash through a narrative that contrasts his abilities with those of his predecessor, Barry Allen. The story, written by with pencils by and inks by Anderson, emphasized Wally's emotional struggles and growth, serving as a key to his ongoing role in The Flash title. This 48-page issue highlighted the annual format's capacity for introspective depth on legacy heroes. Secret Origins Annual #3 (May 1989), written and penciled by with inks by Mike Bair, explored the formation of the New Teen Titans in "Pieces of the Puzzle," a sprawling tale weaving together the individual origins of members like Nightwing, Starfire, and . The 52-page story delved into multigenerational dynamics and team evolution, connecting directly to Pérez's influential run on The New Teen Titans and providing lore on supporting characters such as Flamebird (). It exemplified the annuals' role in unpacking complex ensemble histories. Secret Origins Special #1 (October 1989) shifted focus to Batman's , framing origins of the Penguin, , and within a mockumentary-style about a reporter's ill-fated Gotham investigation. Written by (framing sequence) with contributions from Alan Grant and others, and art by Mike Hoffman, Sam Keith, and Kevin Nowlan, the 52-page special used its extended format to blend horror-tinged backstories with satirical commentary on villainy. Unlike the annuals' hero-centric tales, it expanded the series' scope to antagonists, tying into Batman's post-Crisis mythos. These publications, priced at $2.00 to $2.95, capitalized on the main series' popularity by offering self-contained yet interconnected deep dives, often previewing or reinforcing developments in flagship titles like Doom Patrol, The Flash, New Teen Titans, and Batman. Their sporadic release schedule— one per year from 1987 to 1989—allowed DC to align them with key creative relaunches, enhancing the post-Crisis continuity without disrupting the monthly rhythm.

Collected Editions 1986–1990

Trade Paperbacks

The primary trade paperback collecting material from the 1986–1990 Secret Origins series is Secret Origins of the World's Greatest Super-Heroes, published by DC Comics in 1990 as a 140-page softcover volume priced at $9.95. This edition bundled key origin stories from the series, including issue #1 (Superman by Elliot S. Maggin and Curt Swan), #6 (Batman by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick), #9 (Green Lantern Hal Jordan by Martin Pasko and Gil Kane), #10 (Flash Barry Allen by Cary Bates and Carmine Infantino), and #13 (Martian Manhunter by Mike W. Barr and Alan Davis), alongside additional original and reprinted material to provide post-Crisis continuity for DC's flagship heroes. In the late 1990s and 2000s, DC Comics released additional trade paperbacks that incorporated Secret Origins stories into broader collections aimed at introducing new readers to character backstories, particularly during the buildup to major events like (2005–2006). One notable example is Secret Origins Featuring JLA (1999), a 160-page softcover priced at $14.95 that gathered origin tales for Justice League members, drawing from the series for , (from issue #3 by and Mike Esposito), Flash (Wally West), (Kyle Rayner), , and , with updated covers and introductory notes. These 2000s-era volumes typically compiled 4–6 issues or equivalent story content per book, focusing on seminal post-Crisis retellings to refresh lore for contemporary audiences while preserving the original artwork and narratives. Individual stories from the series have been reprinted in various character-specific collections.

Other Collections and Reprints

In addition to trade paperbacks, the 1986–1990 Secret Origins series has seen reprints in premium and digital formats, expanding access to its origin stories beyond physical softcovers. DC Comics released individual issues digitally through starting in the early , enabling electronic reading of stories like the origins of in issue #38. The full series, including annuals, became available on , a subscription digital platform launched in , offering remastered scans for improved readability on modern devices. This service includes all 50 issues plus specials, such as Secret Origins Annual #2 featuring the , providing comprehensive digital access without physical media. No dedicated or omnibus editions compiling the 1986–1990 run were produced in the . Digital updates in the have focused on accessibility enhancements, such as optimized formats for mobile viewing on , but no significant new print collections have emerged since 2020.

2014–2015 Revival

Publication History

The Secret Origins revival launched in June 2014 as a monthly anthology series under DC Comics' New 52 imprint, aimed at revealing updated origin stories for key characters within the rebooted continuity. The initiative sought to clarify fragmented backstories resulting from the 2011 New 52 relaunch, providing canonical narratives that could feed into ongoing titles. Overseen by editor-in-chief Bob Harras, the series debuted with issue #1 on April 23, 2014 (cover-dated June), though early issues like #5 highlighted origins for characters such as Cyborg, with later issues like #10 covering Firestorm to establish their roles in the New 52 universe. Running as an ongoing title, the series produced 11 issues from June 2014 to May 2015, with each installment typically featuring three self-contained origin tales by rotating creative teams. Later issues shifted toward team-oriented backstories, culminating in #11 (cover-dated May 2015, on sale March 25, 2015), which explored the origins of Black Canary, Guy Gardner (as a Red Lantern), and John Constantine, directly supporting narratives in books like Justice League Dark. No annuals or standalone specials were published during this run, keeping the focus on the core monthly format. The series concluded abruptly with #11 following DC's December 2014 announcement of a major line-wide contraction ahead of the Convergence event in 2015. Low sales, with average orders dipping below 20,000 units per issue by mid-run, contributed significantly to the cancellation, as the title struggled to maintain momentum amid broader New 52 fatigue. Its stories were designed for seamless integration into existing series, such as Justice League of America, ensuring the revealed origins remained part of the shared continuity without further standalone exploration. The 2014–2015 revival of Secret Origins adapted several character origins to fit the New 52 continuity, emphasizing technological, scientific, and thematic elements unique to that era. For instance, Cyborg's story in issue #5, written by Marv Wolfman with art by André Coelho, portrays Victor Stone's transformation through advanced cybernetic integration after a catastrophic accident at S.T.A.R. Labs, where his father Silas Stone saves him by merging his body with experimental technology, ultimately leading Victor to find purpose as a member of the Justice League. Similarly, Firestorm's origin in issue #10, penned by Dan Jurgens, details the nuclear fusion process that binds Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch into a single entity, witnessed by bystander Tonya Lu during a particle accelerator mishap that grants them atomic transmutation powers. Animal Man's narrative in issue #8, crafted by Jeff Lemire and Duffy Boudreau with art by Travel Foreman, highlights Buddy Baker's deepening environmental connections via his bond with The Red, the primal force linking all animal life, which underscores themes of ecological balance and family legacy in the New 52 landscape. The series also shifted focus to team dynamics and transitional arcs for established heroes. Cyborg's tale ties directly into the formation of the of America, illustrating how his enhancements position him as a key operative in the government's sponsored team, blending personal recovery with broader heroic alliances. Nightwing's story in the same issue #8, written by Tom King and with art by Stephen Mooney, explores Dick Grayson's post-Robin and post-Nightwing era, depicting his recruitment by the espionage organization Spyral as Agent 37, Helena Bertinelli's nomination of him based on his acrobatic background and moral compass marking a pivotal shift from to undercover operative. Distinct from earlier iterations, the revival employed shorter, self-contained stories averaging 10–15 pages per character, modernized with contemporary visuals and narratives by a diverse roster of creators, such as on Deadman's supernatural origins in issue #6. This approach emphasized multicultural heroes, including Mera's Atlantean heritage in issue #5 by Jeff Parker with art by Alvaro Martinez and Raul Fernandez, Katana's Japanese warrior legacy in issue #8 by with art by Cliff Richards, and Poison Ivy's botanical empowerment in issue #10 by Caitlin Kittredge with art by , reflecting the 's push for global representation. However, the series featured fewer retellings of classic icons like Batman or in depth, instead prioritizing lesser-known New 52 additions such as Red Hood and to expand the universe's supporting cast.

Collected Editions

The 2014–2015 revival of Secret Origins was compiled into two trade paperbacks that collectively reprint all eleven issues of the series. Secret Origins Vol. 1 (The New 52), released in February 2015, collects issues #1–4 and features reimagined origin stories for key New 52 characters, including Superman, Supergirl, Harley Quinn, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Batwoman, Batman, Aquaman, and Green Arrow. This 160-page volume highlights the early heroic journeys of these figures within the rebooted DC Universe. Secret Origins Vol. 2 (The New 52), released on August 12, 2015, collects issues #5–11 in a 272-page edition and includes origins for characters such as Batgirl, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, the Flash (Barry Allen), Animal Man, and Grayson (Dick Grayson as Nightwing). Among its stories is the Cyborg tale by Marv Wolfman, tying into the character's role in the New 52 Justice League. Individual issues of the series were released digitally day-and-date with their print editions on Comixology starting in June 2014. By 2018, the full run became available as a bundled digital collection within the DC Universe Infinite app, formerly known as the DC Universe streaming service's comic library. No major hardcover editions or omnibus collections were produced for the 2014–2015 series, reflecting its relatively short run. Some stories appeared in tie-in contexts related to the New 52's Futures End event, but the primary compilations remain the two trade paperbacks. In the 2020s, the material has seen minor digital reprints through platforms like Amazon Kindle and DC Universe Infinite, with no new physical editions announced.

Secret Origins of Super-Heroes

The Secret Origins of Super-Heroes was a spin-off anthology series published by DC Comics in digest and special formats between 1978 and 1982, dedicated exclusively to retelling the origin stories of superheroes. Consisting of four issues, it expanded on the concept introduced in the 1973 Secret Origins limited series by reprinting classic tales and including select new material, often highlighting both flagship characters and overlooked figures from DC's history. This approach allowed the series to bridge gaps in continuity for fans during a period when origin retellings were not as systematically covered in ongoing titles. The inaugural issue, DC Special Series #10 (April 1978), featured original stories crafted specifically for the anthology. It included "The Origin of Doctor Fate," written by Paul Levitz with art by Murphy Anderson; "The Secret Origin of Black Canary," by Denny O'Neil with pencils and inks by Alex Toth; and "Lightray," again by Levitz with pencils by Rich Buckler and inks by Dick Giordano. Priced at $0.50 and edited by E. Nelson Bridwell, this 36-page magazine-format release emphasized mystical and speedster heroes, setting a tone for diverse backstories. Subsequent issues shifted toward reprints to capitalize on nostalgia. DC Special Series #19 (Fall 1979), a $1.00 entry, compiled landmark origins such as Superman's from Superman #1 (1939), Batman's from Detective Comics #33 (1939), and Wonder Woman's from All Star Comics #8 (1941), alongside tales of the Flash (Jay Garrick), Green Lantern (Alan Scott), and Aquaman. This 52-page issue, also edited by Bridwell, drew from Golden and Silver Age sources to provide comprehensive heroic foundations. The series transitioned to the digest format with DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #9 (May 1981), a 100-page $1.00 compilation edited by Bridwell. It spotlighted a mix of science fiction and adventure heroes through reprinted stories, including the Atom's transformation in Showcase #34 (1961), Batgirl's debut in Detective Comics #359 (1967), Aqualad's aquatic heritage in Adventure Comics #269 (1960), and Green Lantern's (Alan Scott) emerald empowerment in All-American Comics #16 (1940), among others like Blackhawk and Captain Comet. This volume particularly delved into lesser-known characters, offering origins for figures like Congo Bill and Rex the Wonder Dog that had rarely been revisited. The final installment, DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #22 (June 1982), another 100-page $1.75 digest under Bridwell's editorship, focused on Golden Age and wartime heroes. Key stories encompassed Wonder Woman's debut in All Star Comics #8 (1941), the Star Spangled Kid and Stripesy from Star Spangled Comics #1 (1941), the full Marvel Family origin featuring Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel, and Captain Marvel Jr. from Whiz Comics #2 (1940) and related Fawcett titles, and the Freedom Fighters' assemblage in Uncle Sam Quarterly #2 (1941) and subsequent Quality Comics reprints. By prioritizing these obscure or lapsed heroes, the issue filled notable voids in DC's historical narrative landscape. Released intermittently over four years—roughly aligning with quarterly intervals at points—the series served as a low-commitment tie-in to the broader Secret Origins concept, avoiding overlap with villain-focused counterparts. Its emphasis on reprinting hard-to-access material while occasionally introducing fresh takes made it a valuable resource for exploring the evolution of DC's heroic lore, though it concluded without further installments as the publisher geared toward the 1986 ongoing revival.

Secret Origins of Super-Villains

Earlier instances of Secret Origins of Super-Villains appeared as treasury-sized anthologies in Limited Collectors' Edition #C-39 (1975) and #C-45 (1976), reprinting classic villain origin stories from DC's Golden and Silver Ages. The Secret Origins of Super-Villains 80-Page Giant is a one-shot comic book published by DC Comics in December 1999, serving as a dedicated anthology exploring the backstories of several super-villains within the post-Crisis DC Universe. This special issue parallels the hero-centric Secret Origins series by shifting focus to antagonists, presenting their origins through a lens of personal tragedy, unchecked ambition, and psychological complexity to explain their descent into villainy. Compiled by a rotating creative team, it features contributions from writers such as Walter Simonson, Ron Marz, Devin Grayson, and Joe Kelly, with artwork by talents including Scott Kolins, Drew Johnson, and José Marzán Jr., emphasizing detailed character studies over action-heavy narratives. The publication delves into motivations that humanize yet condemn its subjects, such as the rigid ideology and abuse that shaped into Apokolips's premier torturer in the story "Goodness and Mercy," where her early life on a war-torn fosters a belief in "" through domination. Similarly, "Random Choice" examines Sinestro's fall from honor to fear-mongering tyrant, triggered by his exile and subsequent radicalization against the Corps' perceived weaknesses. Other tales highlight ambition's corrosive effects, like Encantadora's origin as a power-hungry sorceress seeking ancient artifacts. These narratives prioritize internal conflicts, with visual styles varying from Simonson's dynamic, Kirby-esque layouts for Apokoliptian scenes to Kolins's gritty, expressionistic panels for Sinestro's emotional turmoil. A standout segment, "The Rise of Tartarus," unites villains including , , , Siren, and Red Panzer under Vandal Savage's leadership, revealing how shared grudges against heroes like the Titans forge their alliance through flashbacks to individual traumas—Grodd's animalistic rage against human supremacy and Cheshire's vengeful path from assassin to team player. Additional stories cover Amazo's synthetic quest for purpose in "," underscoring themes of identity crisis among artificial beings. The issue's structure, with interlocking vignettes framed by Savage's recruitment scheme, adds cohesion to the diverse roster. While not a multi-issue run, this giant influenced subsequent villain-centric tales, such as expanded backstories in JLA and Titans arcs, by establishing psychological depth for underutilized characters. Its limited scope ended after this single release amid DC's emphasis on event-driven ongoing titles in the late 1990s.

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  22. https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=502291
  23. https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?minyr=1996&maxyr=2000&tid=313461
  24. https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Origins-1986-1990-Mike-Grell-ebook/dp/B00IZP7K5A
  25. https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/comics/series/secret-origins-1986-1990/ea676149-7303-454c-87c5-e8a714b57789
  26. https://www.reddit.com/r/OmnibusCollectors/comments/1kvknnj/dc_secret_origins_omni/
  27. https://www.dc.com/comics/secret-origins-2014/secret-origins-1
  28. https://www.comics.org/issue/1244814/
  29. https://www.dc.com/comics/secret-origins-2014/secret-origins-5
  30. https://comics.overstreetaccess.com/volumes/66723/secret-origins-2014
  31. https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/comics/book/secret-origins-2014-11/bd5774d5-7ae2-4584-8bee-5d6348fdd2ac
  32. https://www.comicsbeat.com/dc-slaughters-over-ten-titles/
  33. https://www.dc.com/comics/secret-origins-2014/secret-origins-10
  34. https://www.dc.com/comics/secret-origins-2014/secret-origins-8
  35. https://www.dc.com/comics/secret-origins-2014/secret-origins-6
  36. https://www.dc.com/graphic-novels/secret-origins-2014/secret-origins-vol-1
  37. https://www.dc.com/graphic-novels/secret-origins-2014/secret-origins-vol-2
  38. https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Origins-Vol-New-52/dp/1401250491
  39. https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Origins-Vol-New-52/dp/1401253431
  40. https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Origins-2014-Greg-Pak-ebook/dp/B00IUSHXAY
  41. https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/comics/book/secret-origins-2014-1/63e22e94-a554-4ad2-814e-90246cc66cee
  42. https://comicvine.gamespot.com/secret-origins/4050-73215/
  43. https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Origins-2014-2015-Vol-1-ebook/dp/B00S70Y8B2
  44. https://www.comics.org/issue/31908/
  45. https://www.comics.org/issue/33806/
  46. https://www.comics.org/issue/35306/
  47. https://www.comics.org/issue/96259/
  48. https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Secret_Origins_of_Super-Villains_80-Page_Giant_Vol_1_1
  49. https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=235001
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